Stories by Syed Irfan Raza

Govt announces Eid holidays for offices from March 20-21

Holidays declared "both for offices observing five- and six- day work weeks", says notification. Published 15 Mar, 2026 05:16pm

Petroleum prices unchanged as PM promises relief

Premier says provinces helping Centre implement austerity measures Published 14 Mar, 2026 05:33am

PM and MBS agree to work towards regional peace

• Field Marshal Munir, Foreign Minister Dar accompany premier in meeting with Saudi crown prince • FO portrays its role as Published 13 Mar, 2026 07:38am

Tessori sacked as PML-N stalwart Nehal Hashmi made Sindh governor

President Zardari approves appointment; Tessori interprets his removal as ‘punishment’. Updated 13 Mar, 2026 08:55am

In ‘restricted meeting’ with Saudi crown prince, PM Shehbaz assures him of Pakistan’s ‘full solidarity, support’

FM Dar and Field Marshal Munir accompany PM Shehbaz on the Saudi visit; premier and crown prince agree to work together for regional peace and stability. Updated 13 Mar, 2026 01:55am

President Zardari approves appointment of PML-N’s Nehal Hashmi as Sindh governor

The post was previously held by MQM’s Kamran Tessori; SHC CJ will administer oath to Hashmi. Updated 12 Mar, 2026 09:11pm

MNAs’ salaries cut by 25pc as NA joins austerity drive

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Secretariat has implemented comprehensive austerity and fuel conservation measures... Published 12 Mar, 2026 06:24am

MNAs’ salaries cut by 25pc as National Assembly joins austerity drive

Only 20 per cent of staff will perform their duties in person, while the remaining 80pc will work virtually from home through a rotational roster. Published 11 Mar, 2026 02:18pm

PM Shehbaz orders third-party audit of austerity plan

Dar-led panel to review, report progress; Friday declared additional weekly holiday. Updated 11 Mar, 2026 09:00am

Pakistan to implement four-day work week under ‘war austerity plan’

PM defends "difficult decision" on fuel prices, says global oil market "not in Pakistan’s hands". Updated 10 Mar, 2026 09:00am

PM to unveil austerity plan today to cope with war fallout

Finance minister warns monthly oil import bill could rise to $600 million; Punjab CM calls for uninterrupted diesel supply for agricultural use. Updated 09 Mar, 2026 07:48am

PM Shehbaz to announce austerity plan tomorrow amid global fuel crisis

"Burden of austerity should be borne judiciously by all segments of society," says the prime minister. Published 08 Mar, 2026 10:17pm

‘Petrol bomb’ falls on Pakistan amid war

Prices of petrol and diesel increased by Rs55 per litre; levy on petrol raised, diesel lowered by Rs20 each. Updated 07 Mar, 2026 08:41am

Joint sitting to thoroughly debate regional tensions

• At security huddle, lawmakers say Pakistan should remain neutral in Iran war • Bilawal terms US-Israeli strikes ‘attack on Published 05 Mar, 2026 06:43am

Parliamentarians given in-camera briefing on regional situation; participants stress need for unity, consensus

Bilawal, Fazl, Khalid Maqbool attend meeting on Pak-Afghan situation and Iran war; PTI skips; Rana Sanaullah says Islamabad "communicating" between Riyadh, Tehran. Updated 04 Mar, 2026 07:10pm

Pak-Tajik land corridor via Gilgit proposed

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Tajikistan have proposed a new international land corridor via Gilgit to bolster economic... Published 04 Mar, 2026 07:08am

PTI ‘opts out’ of today’s in-camera huddle on security

Govt had invited all parties to the briefing, convened by PM Shehbaz. Updated 04 Mar, 2026 08:15am

Shehbaz calls Erdogan to push for regional peace

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif continued to use his personal relations and influence for the third... Published 04 Mar, 2026 07:07am

President Zardari draws line in the sand at ‘destabilisation’ from neighbouring soil

• Tells joint sitting of parliament war is ‘last option’; expresses ‘zero tolerance’ for foreign or domestic proxies sowing chaos Published 03 Mar, 2026 07:06am

Joint sitting of parliament rescheduled

Political leaders across country denounce Khamenei’s assassination, express solidarity with Iran. Updated 02 Mar, 2026 08:01am